Tell us what you do for a living?
I am a Police Superintendent, Head of Criminal Justice and Custody with Devon and Cornwall Police.
Are you doing what you thought you’d be doing after you left school?
No! I had always planned on being an actor . . .
What’s been your inspiration – what’s pulled you forwards and into your current role?
It’s somewhat of a cliché, but policing offers me the opportunity to make a difference, to positively impact on the things that I believe are important in society.
What would you say is your biggest achievement to date, the thing you’re most proud of? Professionally or personally!
Eight years ago I set up a charity called Local Heroes, an organisation that works with inspirational people such as Paralympians and professional athletes, to lead workshops that raise awareness of the harmful effects of prejudice, and inspire young people into social action. To date we have worked with 1000s of young people across the country. We have previously been nominated for a National Diversity Award, I was asked to deliver a TedX talk, and two years ago I attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Was there a particular teacher, or a moment at school that particularly inspired you?
I was fortunate enough to have a few teachers that believed in me, but none more so than Mr Boileau. Drama was definitely my favourite subject, and the majority of my happiest memories from school relate to the energy and passion he poured into everything he did.
How important do you think your school days were in shaping who you are today?
On reflection, my time at RLS taught me the value of hard work, and nurtured a sense of ambition.
What’s your work:life balance like? How important is that to you?
I have been blessed with a beautiful family, and supportive wife. My role is very demanding, and I enjoy it very much. Finding the right balance is challenging, and I don’t always get it right, but my family are my absolute priority.
What advice would you give to today’s students who may be struggling to choose which path to take beyond school?
Take your time. Don’t be afraid to walk away from plan a if it doesn’t feel right. I left a Theatre Studies degree at the University of South Wales after six months; I knew it wasn’t right, but didn’t know what was. I joined the police a year later, and have since completed a masters in Criminology at the University of Cambridge. That was never plan a, but it absolutely feels like a found the right path in the end.
Finally, do you have a favourite quote, expression or mantra which inspires you to keep going?
“If you want others to be happy, practise compassion. If you want to be happy, practise compassion.”
